Lightweight MX Boots for Adventure Riding - Atomic-Moto

[Brtp4]

Fellow ADV Riders,

More and more people riding dual sport and ADV are looking toward motocross boots for their increased protection. This is a good trend, however many MX boots, especially lower priced models, are far too stiff and cumbersome. Unfortunately, this often results in categorical dismissal of all MX boots.

Some MX boots are much more livable than others. The key is in the weight, the shapes of the plastic, and their compound. These three models, at three separate price points, all are comfortable, light, supportive, and perform well. They also won't break the bank:



The Gaerne GX-1 is THE standard for light MX boots. The Moose M1.2 Enduro is an Asian-made, but is better executed than any other entry level boots from every other brand we looked at. The Forma Terrain TX, made in Europe, is the newcomer, and features a full mechanical hinge at a lower price point than any other brand available.

All are comfortable, light (about 1 lb more than Adventure Touring boots) and great for their respective price points.

Gaerne GX-1: http://www.atomic-moto.com/Gaerne-GX-1-Boot_p_82.html
Moose Racing M1.2 Enduro: http://www.atomic-moto.com/Moose-Rac...ots_p_867.html
Forma Terrain TX: http://www.atomic-moto.com/Forma-Ter...ots_p_793.html

BP

[CRASHDADDY]

These Forma Terrains look nice for ds use. My question is how "tall" or thick the toe area is; am i going to need a different shift lever? My current mx boots take up a lot of room between the footpeg and shifter; need somthing thinner, similar to a road boot

[Brtp4]

Originally Posted by CRASHDADDY

These Forma Terrains look nice for ds use. My question is how "tall" or thick the toe area is; am i going to need a different shift lever? My current mx boots take up a lot of room between the footpeg and shifter; need somthing thinner, similar to a road boot

It is hard to answer this in a quantitative way. Additionally, the slimmer the toebox...and this is very important....the more it has the effect of being narrow.

That said, I could compare the three of these, take some pics and post them up. Also, what boots do you have now? Can you please take some measurements and post some pics?

FWIW, all three are fairly slim, and most of the time people adapt. I know it gets a lot of emphasis, and up to a point it should. But unless is is egregious (like a Tech 3) I would not put this factor near the top of the list when choosing a boot.

BP

[CRASHDADDY]

In reality, the problem here is probably more footpeg location than boot thickness. My mx boots work fine on my DRZ with an aftermarket shifter, there's plenty of room for adjustment. But on my KLR i've bought aftermarket shifters, even cut up stocker and re-welded it, and it's still difficult to get my Sidi Roads in there; forget about an mx boot. Maybe i need to try some aftermarket IMS pegs to move my foot down and back. Those Forma Terrains look pretty compact in the ankle area though, i like that. Nice price too

[lvscrvs]

Great review BP, nicely done. I'm curious to know how you think these 3 compare to the Sidi Adventures in terms of protection (specifically for the ankle and foot), comfort (on the bike and walking), weight and fit. Obviously the Adventures are at a much higher price point, but they are also highly recommended by many.

[Brtp4]

Originally Posted by lvscrvs

I'm curious to know how you think these 3 compare to the Sidi Adventures in terms of protection (specifically for the ankle and foot), comfort (on the bike and walking), weight and fit. Obviously the Adventures are at a much higher price point, but they are also highly recommended by many.

First, one thing: The Sidis are "Adventure Touring" boots, while the GX-1 / Terrain TX / M1.2 are MX boots. They are one of the more rigid ones, but to be clear they are a different boot category. (Apologies if you already know this.)

My feeling is that these, and MX boots in general, are more protective for a few reasons: they have a more rigid midsole (for frontal impacts) more plastic and thus support around the ankle and foot, and additional height that helps absorb / distribute twisting force, through a larger area and structure. They also allow use with offroad style knee/shin armor, something we feel is critical.

Conversely, MX boots are less walking friendly, because of the same factors.

Comfort, either on or off the bike, is a separate factor. The comfort of a boot is mostly driven by the shape of the foot chamber, amount of internal padding, and proper design of the plastic shapes. An ADV boot built on a crummy last will be uncomfortable, whereas a well-executed MX boot like an SG10 is quite comfortable. One can argue that different categories are more / less comfortable, but we feel the execution if the lasting and plastics design is more important.

I want to stress this, because we hear one comment so, so often: "I don't want MX boots because they are too uncomfortable, too much". They say this because they have tried on a poorly executed MX boot, which is usually is a bad experience. The reality is that not all MX boots are the same - and not all are uncomfortable. Quite the opposite.

These three MX boots are good for ADV riding, because they are among the most comfortable, lightest weight, best executed ones we have found. I personally did a ton of comparing, especially to find an entry price MX boot that we could recommend.

Hope that helps.

BP

[Brtp4]

Video review of the Moose M1.2 Enduro Boot. Weighing 3.5 lbs and pricing out at $145, they are a good option for DS, enduro, and ADV riders:



BP

[HD Steve]

OK BP...

The GX-1 or the G-React?? for the $60 difference. Thanks for the post...I was just getting ready to bite on some MX boots from you...so the info comes in handy...I've been wearing the G-Adventure...ok for on the road...and a little bit of trail, but way too soft to be standing up all day

SHS

[Brtp4]

Originally Posted by HD Steve

OK BP...

The GX-1 or the G-React?? for the $60 difference. Thanks for the post...I was just getting ready to bite on some MX boots from you...so the info comes in handy...I've been wearing the G-Adventure...ok for on the road...and a little bit of trail, but way too soft to be standing up all day

SHS

Any time you can step up (ahem) to a hinge, it is a good idea.

BP

[some call me...tim]

Hi BP, I've watched a few of your vids and I've enjoyed them. Very informative and you seem to give honest appraisals of the products. I was wondering if there's a boot that you'd recommend for adventure riding that's waterproof? It looks like the adventure oriented boots like Gaernes and Formas are waterproof, but I didn't hear you say anything about the MX boots.

[Brtp4]

Originally Posted by some call me...tim

Hi BP, I've watched a few of your vids and I've enjoyed them. Very informative and you seem to give honest appraisals of the products. I was wondering if there's a boot that you'd recommend for adventure riding that's waterproof? It looks like the adventure oriented boots like Gaernes and Formas are waterproof, but I didn't hear you say anything about the MX boots.

I'd recommend these....



....except.....they are not available in the US (!!!). (those that are considering buying them internationally....they are built on a last that will not work for North America).

There are waterproof boots good for Adventure riding, and MX boots good for Adventure Riding, but no Waterproof MX boots good for Adventure riding. Sorry!!

The two most protective ADV boots we sell are compared in this video:



They are waterproof and easy to walk in, but are a step below MX boots for protection.

Hope that helps!!

BP

[biensur22]

Originally Posted by Brtp4

I'd recommend these....



....except.....they are not available in the US (!!!). (those that are considering buying them internationally....they are built on a last that will not work for North America).

There are waterproof boots good for Adventure riding, and MX boots good for Adventure Riding, but no Waterproof MX boots good for Adventure riding. Sorry!!

A good substitute might be the Gaerne Pro Tech Oiled Boot, not sure on the name exactly. They look very similar to the one you posted above (that's sadly unavailable in the US because everything AWESOME in this world is only available elsewhere...) but with crepe sole and no metal toe bumpers. I believe they're designed more for trials so they're softer and more flexible, but the full leather gives decent enough DS protection and the Gaerne drytech membrane is supposedly waterproof and breathable. I've got the non-waterproof version for adventure riding and general dualsporting, but when it comes to single-track and mx days, I prefer something with a bit more standing support and protection. Just my 2 cents!

Great reviews! Thanks for the info.